The St. John’s University community is in mourning after the passing of Luigi “Lou” P. Carnesecca, a legendary figure who dedicated his life to the university and its basketball program. Coach Carnesecca passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30th, just weeks before his 100th birthday, leaving behind a legacy that resonates deeply within the St. John’s and basketball worlds.
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University, eloquently captured the essence of Coach Carnesecca’s impact: “Throughout his long life, Coach Carnesecca represented St. John’s with savvy, humility, smarts, tenacity, wit, integrity, and grace. He was the public face of our University, and he embodied the values of our Catholic and Vincentian mission. We thank God for his legacy.” Carnesecca’s life was intrinsically linked to St. John’s, embodying its spirit and values.
From Local Roots to Basketball Icon: The Carnesecca Story
Born into a family of Italian immigrants in East Harlem, New York City, on January 5, 1925, Lou Carnesecca’s journey is a quintessential New York story. Growing up above his family’s grocery store, he learned the values of hard work and community that would define his life and coaching career. His deep connection to New York City and its vibrant basketball scene was a hallmark of his persona.
Coach Carnesecca’s relationship with St. John’s University began as a student. After serving in the US Coast Guard during World War II, he traded Fordham University for St. John’s, initially playing baseball under the legendary coach Frank McGuire. It was alongside future New York Governor Mario M. Cuomo ’53C, ’56L, ’75HON on the baseball diamond that Carnesecca’s leadership qualities started to emerge. Even as a student, he was already coaching, assisting with the freshman baseball team, hinting at his future trajectory in the world of sports.
The Lou Carnesecca statue at Carnesecca Arena, a tribute to his enduring legacy at St. John’s University. This statue captures his iconic presence and contributions to St. John’s University basketball.
Building a Basketball Dynasty at St. John’s
After graduating from St. John’s in 1950 and coaching at his high school alma mater, Archbishop Molloy, Carnesecca returned to his beloved university in 1958 as an assistant coach under Hall of Famer Joe Lapchick. For eight seasons, he honed his coaching skills, contributing to two NIT Championships in 1959 and 1965, setting the stage for his own remarkable tenure as head coach of St. John’s Redmen, now known as the Red Storm.
Taking the reins as the 12th head coach in 1965, Carnesecca embarked on a 24-season journey (1965–70, 1973–92) that would solidify his place in basketball history. His impact was immediate and consistent, leading St. John’s to postseason appearances every single year he coached. His early years saw NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal appearances in 1967 and 1969 and an NIT Championship game appearance in 1970. His coaching prowess was undeniable, marked by strategic brilliance and an ability to connect with players.
ABA Nets and Return to St. John’s: A Transformative Era
In 1970, Carnesecca briefly stepped away from St. John’s to coach the New York Nets in the American Basketball Association (ABA). He continued his winning ways, leading the Nets to the playoffs in all three seasons, including an ABA Finals appearance in 1972. However, the pull of his alma mater was strong, and in 1973, he returned to St. John’s, ushering in the most transformative period in the program’s history.
His return coincided with the formation of the BIG EAST Conference, a move that elevated St. John’s and college basketball to new heights. As a charter member, St. John’s, under Carnesecca’s guidance, became a national powerhouse. The 1980s were particularly golden, with the 1984-85 season standing out as a pinnacle. Led by future Hall of Famer Chris Mullin, the Redmen achieved a 31-4 record and reached the NCAA Final Four, a historic moment for the program and the BIG EAST Conference, which saw three of its teams in the Final Four that year.
Coach Lou Carnesecca’s iconic “lucky sweater,” a symbol of the magical 1984-85 season where St. John’s reached the NCAA Final Four. This sweater became a memorable part of St. John’s University basketball lore.
The “lucky sweater” story from that season became legendary, embodying Carnesecca’s colorful personality and the team’s charmed run. His superstitious nature and the team’s success while he wore the brown chevron-striped sweater became a beloved anecdote in St. John’s basketball history.
A Legacy Measured in Wins and Influence
By the time he retired from coaching in 1992, Lou Carnesecca had amassed an incredible 526 wins and only 200 losses at St. John’s, a .725 winning percentage. Every season under his leadership culminated in a postseason berth, with 18 NCAA Tournament appearances and 6 NIT berths, including a title in 1989. He was a three-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year and secured three BIG EAST Tournament titles, cementing St. John’s dominance in the conference.
Val Ackerman, BIG EAST Commissioner, noted, “The BIG EAST Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Lou Carnesecca, a quintessential New Yorker and one of the most successful coaches in our history. His basketball accomplishments abound: 526 wins in 24 seasons, postseason bids in each of those years, the ‘sweater game’ and other magic moments at Madison Square Garden, and the superstars he mentored along the way who are themselves part of BIG EAST lore.”
Beyond the Court: Carnesecca’s Enduring Impact
Coach Carnesecca’s influence extended far beyond wins and losses. He was a mentor, a friend, and a symbol of St. John’s values. His humor, his down-to-earth nature, and his genuine care for people made him a beloved figure. Ed Kull ’05MBA, Vice President and Director of Athletics, stated, “He embodied everything that is great about this University, this city, and the sport of basketball. There will never be another like him, and we are all better for having known him.”
Even after retirement, Coach Carnesecca remained an integral part of St. John’s, serving as a Special Assistant and actively participating in fundraising and university events. His dedication was further honored when Alumni Hall was renamed Carnesecca Arena in 2004, and a statue of him was erected in its lobby in 2021. These tributes serve as lasting reminders of his profound impact on St. John’s University and its basketball program.
William J. Janetschek ’84CBA, ’17HON, Chair of the St. John’s University Board of Trustees, perfectly summarized Carnesecca’s legacy: “Never has one man had such a positive impact on so many people. If you were lucky enough to have known Lou, you considered yourself blessed. There was no separation between St. John’s and Lou—they were one in the same.”
Lou Carnesecca’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to St. John’s University basketball and the sport as a whole will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches at St. John’s and beyond.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
St. John’s University
President’s Office, Newman Hall
8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439
To make a gift in support of the Lou Carnesecca Scholarship, please visit: www.stjohns.edu/CoachC
